market maker investment & finance definition

A firm or individual that is ready to buy or sell a particular stock on a continuous basis by giving a publicly quoted price. They attempt to make a small profit from differences between the buy and sell prices. Market makers typically are found on the NASDAQ or other over-the-counter exchanges. Market  makers on an exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, are called third-market makers. Many stocks have more than one market maker. Market makers provide a two-sided market and add liquidity to the market.